Research Grant Award

Funds of up to $5000 are available to members wishing to undertake a study project. Study grants are offered to provide an opportunity for professional members to undertake projects that they would otherwise be unable to do because of the time and costs involved.

Study grants are open to practising librarians or library technician members who have been personal financial members for at least two years and with a minimum of three years' experience at the time of application.

The study grant is awarded biennially in the ALIA Biennial Conference year.

The purpose of the award is to enable the recipient to undertake a study program on a selected library or information issue of present and future relevance to the development and improvement of library and information services in Australia. The study may include preliminary work, local or overseas visits and/or consultations, attachment to another organisation, preparation of a publication, etc. It is expected that the study project will provide an opportunity for self development as well as benefit the recipient's institution and present position. Awards will not normally be made to members occupying research or teaching positions.

The successful recipient is required to provide a number of reports to the ALIA research committee within a specified timeframe:

• within four months of completion of the study, a report outlining the aims, purposes, methodology and outcomes of the study and its benefits to the individual, institution and broader profession;
• within six months of completion of the study, a comprehensive report which may be published in the Australian Library Journal or other ALIA publication;
• within twelve months of completion of the study, a follow-up report detailing how the outcomes of the project have been applied for the benefit of the individual, institution and the broader profession.

Nominations will be considered by the ALIA Research Committee for recommendation to the Board of Directors.

In awarding the study grant, ALIA reserves the right to make broad adjustments to the proposed project to ensure optimal relevance for the association and the wider profession.

Nominations are now open for 2013